How to Transport a Motorcycle from Raleigh, North Carolina
If you need to ship a motorcycle to or from Raleigh, North Carolina, there are various motorcycle transport companies ready to help you. Raleigh is a well-known spot for motorcycle shipping due to its central position on the East Coast and its active motorcycle community. Many individuals relocate to Raleigh for employment or education and need to transport their cherished bikes with them. Others may be selling their motorcycle to someone in another state and require dependable shipping services.
Discovering the ideal motorcycle transport company can seem daunting due to the plethora of choices available and the aspects to consider. However, Shiply can streamline the process by offering a user-friendly platform to evaluate prices and companies, frequently providing quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. Before diving in, it's essential to determine the specific type of motorcycle shipping service you need.
Types of Motorcycle Transport Services
When it comes to shipping motorcycles and considering the cost of motorcycle transport, there are two main methods to choose from. The most economical and straightforward option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to its destination. While this is a simple solution, it comes with risks of damage during the trip, increases mileage, and is only feasible if the motorcycle is functional.
The most common method of motorcycle shipping is using trailers, which can be open or enclosed. Enclosed trailers are often preferred for expensive or classic motorbikes due to the added protection they provide against accidents and the elements, although this typically comes at a higher cost. Open trailers are generally less expensive, but your motorcycle will be more exposed.
Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested service, but if you reside in a hard-to-reach area, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Factors Influencing Motorcycle Shipping Costs
The cost of transporting a motorcycle varies based on several factors, with average prices ranging from $180 to $300 for distances under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for journeys exceeding 1,000 miles. Key factors that impact the cost of motorcycle shipping include:
1. Distance: The distance your motorcycle needs to travel significantly affects the price quoted by motorcycle transport companies. Cross-country shipping will likely cost more than interstate transport.
2. Motorcycle Size: Larger motorcycles require more space on a trailer, which can increase the shipping cost.
3. Transport Service Type: Opting for an enclosed trailer will likely result in a higher price compared to open trailers.
4. Pick-up & Delivery Locations: Urban areas often have multiple motorcycle transport companies nearby, making pick-up and delivery less expensive than in rural areas. However, urban areas may require extra mileage, which can increase costs.
5. Time of Year: Weather conditions can impact motorcycle shipping prices, with ice and snow in winter often making transport slightly more expensive than in summer.
How Shiply Helps Find Motorcycle Transport Companies
With numerous factors to consider and hundreds of motorcycle shippers offering similar services, selecting the right motorcycle transport company can be overwhelming. Shiply simplifies the process by connecting you with multiple motorcycle shipping companies on our platform.
To start receiving quotes, simply provide details about your shipment, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, pick-up location, and delivery destination. Companies will then send motorcycle shipping quotes directly to your Shiply inbox, allowing you to easily compare prices, service types, and companies until you find the perfect match.
We highly recommend checking user reviews and feedback for each company. Shiply's system assigns a score to each motorcycle transport company and enables you to read reviews from previous Shiply users. You can also privately message any company that has provided a quote to inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly Motorcycle Shipping Quotes on Shiply
Motorcycle transport companies on Shiply often aim to fill space on pre-planned trips. By using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service, you contribute to reducing unnecessary vehicles on the road, making it an eco-friendly choice. Moreover, since motorcycle transporters on Shiply are "going there anyway," they can offer competitive pricing compared to dedicated motorcycle transportation services.
These companies have already incurred costs and are simply looking to fill the remaining space in their vehicles, enabling them to provide some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes available, often up to 75% lower than standard rates.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Transport
Once you've selected a motorcycle hauler you're comfortable with, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping:
1. Documents: Provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
2. Cleaning: Remove all personal belongings from your motorcycle and give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to assess the vehicle's condition prior to pick-up, which can be helpful if any damage occurs during transit.
3. Running Condition: If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, ensure it is in running condition with proper fluid levels and tire pressure. Note whether the motorcycle transport company requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
4. Photographic Evidence: Take high-resolution photos of your motorcycle's overall condition before pick-up. This evidence will be useful if any damage occurs during shipping.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your chosen motorcycle transport company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
1. Check Vital Signs: Inspect lights, engine, brakes, and other critical functions to confirm the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the motorcycle's condition upon delivery with the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage that may have occurred during transit.
3. Check Mileage: If your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, verify that the added mileage corresponds to the journey made.
Lastly, we kindly request that you leave feedback and a review for your chosen motorcycle transport company, enabling future Shiply users to make informed decisions when browsing and comparing services.